The Illusion of Democracy: Nigeria’s Civilian Rule Conundrum

As Nigeria marks 25 years of uninterrupted civilian rule, it’s time to confront a harsh reality: what we have is not democracy, but civilian rule. This distinction, highlighted by Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, a former external affairs minister, is crucial to understanding the country’s democratic shortcomings.

Civilian rule merely implies that the government is not military-led, whereas democracy encompasses a broader range of principles, including free and fair elections, accountability, transparency, and the protection of individual rights. Nigeria’s experience over the past 25 years has shown that civilian rule can coexist with undemocratic practices, such as electoral malfeasance, corruption, and the suppression of local government autonomy.

Prof. Akinyemi’s critique highlights several areas where Nigeria has fallen short of democratic ideals.
These include:
Insufficient Funding for Education:
A critical component of any democracy is an educated citizenry.
Nigeria’s failure to prioritise education has resulted in a lack of access to quality education, perpetuating inequality and limiting opportunities for social mobility.
Infrastructure Deficiencies:
While minor road projects are often celebrated as major achievements, the country’s infrastructure needs are far more extensive.
The lack of investment in critical infrastructure, such as healthcare, water, and sanitation, undermines the quality of life for Nigerians.
Women’s Representation:
Nigeria’s failure to meet the 35% target for women’s representation in parliament, as set by the Beijing agreement, is a stark reminder of the country’s democratic deficits.
Local Government Autonomy:
The financial stifling of local government authorities by state governments is a clear example of undemocratic practices.
This not only undermines the principles of federalism but also limits the ability of local governments to respond to the needs of their constituents.

Democracy is defined as the government of the people, for the people, and by the people.
It’s about prioritising the welfare and well-being of citizens, ensuring they have a say in their government, and protecting their rights.
As Abraham Lincoln aptly put it, “Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
In a true democracy, the interests of the people should take precedence over the interests of leaders and their cronies.

Unfortunately, Nigeria’s current government seems to have forgotten this fundamental principle.
The removal of fuel subsidies, the floating of the naira, and the embarkation on costly projects like the coastal highway have all contributed to the impoverishment of the masses.
The lack of palliative measures to ameliorate the suffering of citizens is a clear indication that the government is not prioritising the welfare of its people.

The recent emergency proclamation in Rivers State is another example of undemocratic tendencies.
This action would be unimaginable in a truly democratic government, where the rule of law and the rights of citizens are respected.

To move towards true democracy, Nigeria must address these shortcomings and develop a model of governance that is tailored to its unique needs and context.
As Prof. Akinyemi notes, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to federalism, and Nigeria should not attempt to mimic other countries’ systems without considering its own strengths and weaknesses.

By acknowledging the differences between civilian rule and democracy, Nigerians can work towards building a more inclusive, accountable, and responsive government. This requires a commitment to prioritizing education, infrastructure, women’s representation, and local government autonomy, as well as a willingness to challenge undemocratic practices and promote transparency and accountability.

In conclusion, Nigeria’s democratic journey is ongoing, and it’s time for Nigerians to demand more from their government.
By striving for true democracy, rather than simply civilian rule, Nigerians can build a brighter future for themselves and future generations.
As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “We must build a world in which all men can live together in peace and harmony, a world in which all men can develop their capacities to the fullest.”
It’s time for Nigeria to take a step in that direction.

May God bless Nigeria and its people, guiding the nation towards peace, prosperity, and unity.
May the country continue to grow and develop, and may its citizens live in harmony, working together to build a brighter future for generations to come. Amen!

By Abiodun Adigun